In response to the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada,
INFACT Canada was pleased to submit its recommendations. Central to the
provision of a publicly funded, universally accessible health care system, with
an increased emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, is the support
and protection of breastfeeding.

In its submission, INFACT Canada carefully outlined how recent research has
proven the extraordinary health benefits of breastfeeding. These include
reducing the risk of many of the most costly and life-threatening conditions
such as asthma, infectious diseases, obesity, cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. Breastfeeding also reduces the incidence of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS) and has been proven to improve cognitive ability.

In order to accomplish this, INFACT recommends that our health care system:

Provides for universal post partum visits during the first two weeks
after discharge from hospital.

Implements programs to optimize breastfeeding and complementary feeding
practices through science-based national guidelines in conformity with the
recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Enacts regulations (the WHO’s International Code of Marketing of
Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant resolutions of the World
Health Assembly) that protect expectant women and new mothers from the
undermining effects of commercial interference to artificially feed her
infant.

Protects Canada’s ability to set regulatory measures to safeguard the
health of Canadians from the impact of globalization and trade agreements.

INFACT Canada is a national non-governmental organization that works to
protect infant and young child health as well as maternal well-being through the
promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices. In
1998, INFACT was awarded the Right Livelihood Award as a member of the
international IBFAN Network.

For further information, please contact:

Elisabeth Sterken, Executive Director

E-mail esterken@infactcanada.ca

INFACT Canada’s submission can be accessed at: www.infactcanada.ca . It is
also posted on the Romanow Commission website.